Hand Hygiene: Essential Techniques for Infection Prevention and Control

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of using an alcohol-based hand rub?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the risk of infection by inactivating microorganisms

Answer

To eliminate bacteria and viruses on the hands

Answer

To remove dirt and debris from the hands

Answer

To prevent skin irritation

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of proper hand hygiene in healthcare settings?

Accepted Answer

Increases healthcare costs due to increased use of hand hygiene products

Answer

Reduces the transmission of infections among patients and healthcare professionals

Answer

Improves patient outcomes by reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections

Answer

Reduces the need for antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents

Question 3

Why is it important to use clean towels to dry hands after washing?

Accepted Answer

To prevent recontamination of the hands with bacteria from used towels

Answer

To remove residual moisture and prevent skin irritation

Answer

To increase the effectiveness of handwashing

Answer

There is no significant importance in using clean towels to dry hands

Question 4

Which organization is responsible for developing global guidelines and promoting best practices for hand hygiene?

Accepted Answer

World Health Organization (WHO)

Answer

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Answer

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

Answer

Public Health England (PHE)

Question 5

In healthcare settings, which hand hygiene method is most effective at preventing the spread of infections?

Accepted Answer

Using alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR)

Answer

Using plain soap and water

Answer

Using antibacterial soap

Answer

Wearing gloves

Question 6

When washing hands with soap and water, what is the recommended duration for effective cleansing?

Accepted Answer

20-30 seconds

Answer

10-15 seconds

Answer

40-60 seconds

Answer

1-2 minutes

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a proper step in handwashing technique?

Accepted Answer

Rinse hands with cold water

Answer

Wet hands with warm water

Answer

Apply soap and lather

Answer

Scrub hands for 20-30 seconds

Question 8

What is the primary purpose of using an emollient in hand hygiene?

Accepted Answer

To moisturize and protect the skin

Answer

To kill bacteria

Answer

To prevent the spread of infection

Answer

To reduce hand fatigue

Question 9

Which of the following is considered a physical barrier method of infection control?

Accepted Answer

Gloves

Answer

Handwashing

Answer

Masks

Answer

Alcohol-based hand rubs

Question 10

When hands are visibly soiled or contaminated with blood or body fluids, what is the preferred method of hand hygiene?

Accepted Answer

Washing hands with soap and water

Answer

Using an alcohol-based hand rub

Answer

Wearing gloves without washing hands

Answer

Using a hand sanitizer without washing hands

Question 11

When performing hand hygiene in a healthcare setting, which of the following is NOT considered a critical time to do so?

Accepted Answer

After taking a lunch break

Answer

Before making contact with a patient

Answer

After touching the immediate surroundings of a patient

Answer

Before wearing gloves

Question 12

For effective handwashing using soap and water, what is the recommended duration?

Accepted Answer

30 seconds

Answer

15 seconds

Answer

45 seconds

Answer

1 minute

Question 13

Which concentration of alcohol-based hand rub is most effective in eliminating bacteria and viruses?

Accepted Answer

70% alcohol

Answer

50% alcohol

Answer

60% alcohol

Answer

80% alcohol

Question 14

What is the correct procedure for using alcohol-based hand rub?

Accepted Answer

Rub the solution into your hands until dry

Answer

Rinse your hands with water after applying the solution

Answer

Apply a minimal amount and rub for less than 15 seconds

Answer

Wipe your hands with a paper towel after applying the solution

Question 15

When is it essential to wash your hands after removing gloves?

Accepted Answer

Immediately

Answer

Within 5 minutes

Answer

Within 10 minutes

Answer

Handwashing is not necessary after removing gloves

Question 16

In healthcare settings, which route of transmission is most commonly associated with infections?

Accepted Answer

Contact

Answer

Airborne

Answer

Droplet

Answer

Vehicle

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a factor that affects the effectiveness of hand hygiene?

Accepted Answer

Time of the year

Answer

Type of soap used

Answer

Frequency of handwashing

Answer

Temperature of water

Question 18

Which type of hand sanitizer is most effective against common microorganisms?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60-95% alcohol content

Answer

Antibacterial soap

Answer

Waterless hand sanitizer

Answer

Chlorine-based hand sanitizer

Question 19

Who is primarily responsible for upholding hand hygiene policies and procedures in a healthcare setting?

Accepted Answer

All healthcare professionals

Answer

Infection control team

Answer

Managers and supervisors

Question 20

How often should you wash your hands when caring for a patient with an infection?

Accepted Answer

Before and after any contact with the patient or their surroundings

Answer

Once per shift

Answer

Only when hands are visibly soiled

Answer

After leaving the patient's room

Question 21

When is handwashing essential in a healthcare setting?

Accepted Answer

Before and after patient contact, after contact with body fluids, and after removing gloves.

Answer

Before and after breaks.

Answer

After using the toilet.

Answer

Only when hands are visibly dirty.

Question 22

What is the minimum recommended time for handwashing with soap and water?

Accepted Answer

At least 20 seconds.

Answer

At least 30 seconds.

Answer

Until the water runs clear.

Answer

At least 10 seconds.

Question 23

What is the key active ingredient in most alcohol-based hand rubs?

Accepted Answer

Ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol.

Answer

Triclosan.

Answer

Hydrogen peroxide.

Answer

Chlorine.

Question 24

When is it appropriate to use an alcohol-based hand rub?

Accepted Answer

When soap and water are not immediately available.

Answer

Only after patient contact.

Answer

Only before patient contact.

Answer

Only when hands are visibly dirty.

Question 25

What is the correct technique for applying an alcohol-based hand rub?

Accepted Answer

Dispense a palmful of product and rub hands together for at least 20 seconds, ensuring all surfaces are covered.

Answer

Apply a small amount to each hand and rub only the fingertips and palms.

Answer

Apply a small amount to each finger and rub into the palm.

Answer

Spray a small amount on each hand and rub until dry.

Question 26

What is the main reason for practicing hand hygiene in a healthcare setting?

Accepted Answer

To prevent the spread of infections to patients and healthcare workers.

Answer

To reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

Answer

To comply with hospital regulations.

Answer

To keep hands clean and free of dirt.

Question 27

What is a significant consequence of poor hand hygiene practices in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

Answer

Damage to the skin.

Answer

Reduced patient satisfaction.

Answer

Increased workload for healthcare workers.